Pages

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Have you heard that LeBron is coming home? Of course you have, unless you've been vacationing on Mars this summer. As a loyal Cavs fan this makes me happy to say the least. I'm pumped to see LeBron and Kyrie on the court together. However, I'd like to take my fan hat off and talk about his return from under two other hats that I wear.

"Before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid from Northeast Ohio. It’s where I walked. It’s where I ran. It’s where I cried. It’s where I bled. It holds a special place in my heart. People there have seen me grow up. I sometimes feel like I’m their son. Their passion can be overwhelming. But it drives me. I want to give them hope when I can. I want to inspire them when I can. My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn’t realize that four years ago. I do now." LeBron James opening quote from SI Post.

I tear up every time I read this. It is so true. I remember my husband following LeBron's journey as a kid in Akron. We knew he'd be a star player someday. When he was drafted by the Cavs he became our star, the people of Northeast Ohio. So when he says that sometimes it feels like he's our son, he is right. I can't image the pressure this would put on a young man. Wearing my mom hat, I have to say that I couldn't be prouder of theperson he has become and the positive role model he is for children.

With that said, it's time to put on my teacher hat. LeBron and I share a passion, not just for basketball, but more importantly, our love and hope for the children of Northeast Ohio. He is the ultimate example of giving back to the community. Among the numerous ways he's given back to his community, the focus on education is the at top of my list. As a third grade teacher, my social studies standards require me to teach about citizenship and giving back to your community. I'm proud to use LeBron James as a role model for the children in my classroom when teaching these standards.

The children already know him as a basketball star and champion. Now they'll get a look into the heart of this champion and learn from his example.